Liz Phair: Indie Super-Goddess Goes Pop

Singer/songwriter Liz Phair has taken a beating for her recent self-titled LP, which many critics have panned as a self-conscious stab at mainstream acceptance. Why would one of America's leading indie artists -- a daring writer with a knack for crafting quirky lo-fi masterpieces -- risk alienating her adoring fan base, just to put out a slicked-up "pop" album? Even worse, Liz has been blasted for enlisting the help of crack songwriting squad The Matrix, the behind-the-scenes team largely responsible for teen sensation Avril Lavigne's sudden staggering success.

Well, Liz ain't no Avril Lavigne. She can hold her own with The Matrix. In fact, "Rock Me," a song they wrote together about a 30-something rocker having a steamy tryst with a much younger man, simply adds catchy hooks and blaring guitars to Liz's typically snappy lyrics. Yes, she may have found her initial appeal as a shy, unseasoned singer with paralyzing stage fright, but now that Liz has earned the kind of success that breeds confidence, why not make a record that's aimed at the masses?

It is strange to question the motives behind Liz Phair, especially when every recording musician wants to reach as many listeners as possible. As Liz explained in a recent phone interview, she has lofty goals for her music: "My big megalomaniacal plan is to allow women more expansive roles that are acceptable and valuable." Make no mistake, though -- this rocking single mom hasn't settled into weight-of-the-world seriousness. Her mischievous sense of humor winks and sneers its way throughout her recent LP. It's classic Liz when she sings, "You're like my favorite underwear / And I'm slipping you on again tonight."